Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Test-writers aren’t explorers; they don’t like moving into new territory. Sad for them (they’re probably bored!), but good for you, because after you know where test-writers are comfortable, you can focus on those areas. Here’s a map to the questions and topics likely to show up on the PSAT/NMSQT. Things to look for in writing questions: Verbs: tense, agreement (singular or plural forms) Pronouns: case (they or them or their and so forth), agreement (singular or plural), logical and clear meaning Sentences: completeness (no fragments or run-ons), parallel structure (elements with the same role in the sentence have the same grammatical identity), proper punctuation Descriptions: clear, close to the word described Comparisons: logical and complete Nonstandard expressions: no slang — proper English only!